HIPERACCESS: an access system for the information age

This paper introduces the ETSI Project on Broadband Radio Access Networks (EP-BRAN). BRAN systems will be used for local-area applications with limited mobility (HIPERLAN/2); fixed access with area coverage in urban and rural areas (HIPERACCESS); and short-range high-speed point-to-point links (HIPERLINK). They will support transport of either IP or ATM protocols, supporting managed quality of service. Such systems are needed to provide access to the future broadband core networks supporting multimedia applications. The paper focuses on HIPERACCESS. It addresses the motivation and market demand for broadband radio access networks; the objectives and scope of the Project; the operational and technical requirements; the types of networks to be standardised; the scope of the standards; and the issue of spectrum